Classroom Observation: Establishing Routines

Summary

The transcript depicts a classroom where students are empowered to take on responsibilities typically held by teachers. They follow a structured routine, including checking homework, assigning penalties for incomplete tasks, and facilitating discussions. Students are trained to work independently, including leading lessons, correcting sentences, and conducting spelling tests. They also engage in reciprocal teaching, peer review, and consensus-building activities in math. The teacher's role is minimal, highlighting a student-centered learning environment.

Takeaways

• 📚 Independent Learning: Students are trained to follow systematic procedures and manage their own learning tasks.
• 📅 Morning Routine: A structured morning routine is followed, including checking homework and setting new assignments.
• 🎫 Accountability: Students are held accountable for incomplete work, with a 'ticket' system and completion stamps.
• 👥 Class Jobs: Each student has a designated class job to facilitate classroom procedures.
• 📝 Assignment Sheets: Assignment sheets are used to track and highlight completed and incomplete tasks.
• 📊 Student Leadership: Students take on leadership roles, such as class leader, to direct transitions and facilitate discussions.
• 🤝 Peer Collaboration: Students work in groups to review, correct, and discuss their work.
• 🔤 Spelling Practice: Students practice spelling and reach consensus on correct spellings through group discussions.
• 📖 Reciprocal Teaching: Reading groups are facilitated by students using reciprocal teaching methods.
• 🧮 Math Consensus: Students check their math work in groups, reaching consensus on answers without teacher intervention.
• 📑 Vocabulary Development: Students create vocabulary cards and teach each other new words using a carousel method.

Q & A

What is the morning routine for students in the class?

The morning routine involves students following a set procedure which includes copying new assignments onto their assignment sheets, checking homework for completion, and dealing with incomplete assignments by charging a 'ticket'.

How does the teacher ensure students are accountable for their homework?

Students are accountable for their homework through a system where incomplete assignments are marked with a 'ticket', and a completion stamp is crossed off with the student's permission.

What is the role of Brianna in the class?

Brianna's class job is to stamp assignment sheets for students who have completed their homework.

Who is responsible for directing transitions in the class?

Students are capable of directing transitions, and this week, Oscar is the class leader responsible for this task.

How do students correct sentences together?

Students correct sentences by discussing them together, with one student suggesting corrections and others agreeing or offering alternatives.

What is the significance of the 'I wonder' sentences in the class?

The 'I wonder' sentences are used by students to express curiosity or to initiate discussions about the content they are learning.

How does the teacher facilitate independent learning in reading groups?

Reading groups are student-led through reciprocal teaching, where one student acts as the facilitator to guide the discussion.

What is the process for students to reach consensus on math problems?

Students reach consensus on math problems by discussing their answers in pairs or small groups, explaining their reasoning until they agree on the correct answer.

How are students encouraged to be independent in their learning?

Students are encouraged to be independent by being trained to use procedures, such as raising their hand to find a new partner or checking their own work.

What is the role of Oscar in facilitating math quizzes?

Oscar facilitates math quizzes by passing out the quizzes, timing the students, and ensuring the process runs smoothly.

How do students practice peer review in writing assignments?

Students practice peer review by checking each other's writing assignments, providing feedback, and correcting any errors they find.